48 children shop with 'heroes' from Waterford Police Department

A police officer from the Waterford Township Police Department shops with children during the annual "Shop with a Hero" event this past Saturday. The event was hosted by the department, Meijer, Waterford Coalition for Youth and Bryan's Neighborhood Coney. Photo courtesy/Waterford Police Department

Family members sign in for the annual "Shop with a Hero" event at Meijer on Saturday. Photo courtesy/Waterford Police Department

Some youngsters fulfilled a dream Saturday when they went shopping for holiday gifts with members of a local police force.

The Waterford Township Police Department, in collaboration with Meijer, Waterford Coalition for Youth and Bryan's Neighborhood Coney, were able to make the 24th year of "Shop with a Hero" another great success for 48 children in need on Saturday.

Through donations from private individuals, Meijer and employees from the Waterford Police Department, 48 students from the Waterford School District were given the opportunity to shop with officers, dispatchers and police chaplains from 8 to 11 a.m.

Each student was provided $110 from the donations to Christmas Shop for them and their family.

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Students spent the morning shopping, visiting with Santa and having lunch provided by Bryan's Neighborhood Coney.

More than 25 Waterford Coalition for Youth volunteers wrapped the gifts and assisted in taking pictures of the students with their shopping hero and Santa.

Each year Waterford Police Department adopts local families who are in need.

This was the 24th year for the Waterford Township Police Department and the seventh year having a partnership with Meijer for the "Shop with a Hero" program.

All participating organizations and volunteers were excited about the opportunity to make the holidays brighter for the kids and their families.